Haryana Removes Barricades After Year-Long Farmer Protests at Shambhu Border
Authorities in Haryana have begun dismantling barricades at the Shambhu border following the eviction of farmers who had been protesting there for over a year. The road connecting Punjab and Haryana, which had remained blocked due to the demonstrations, is now being cleared to restore normal traffic movement.
Farmers Evicted After Year-Long Protest
On Wednesday night, Punjab Police launched an operation to remove farmers who had been staging protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 of the previous year. The protestors had set up temporary encampments at these locations, demanding legal guarantees for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) on all crops and complete loan waivers. Authorities used heavy machinery to clear the protest sites, dismantling makeshift structures and removing roadblocks. Several farmer leaders were detained during the operation.
Haryana Begins Removing Barricades
Following the eviction of the farmers, Haryana security personnel started removing cemented barricades that had been placed to restrict the movement of protesters towards Delhi. These barricades, which included iron nails, concrete blocks, and barbed wire, were put in place as part of security measures to prevent farmers from marching into the capital. The road-clearing operation is now in progress, with officials working to restore connectivity between the states.
Economic Impact and Road Reopening
The prolonged closure of the Shambhu-Ambala road had severely impacted local businesses and industries, disrupting trade and daily transportation. The removal of barricades and the reopening of the highway are expected to ease traffic congestion and revive economic activity in the region. The state government has welcomed the clearance operations, emphasizing the need to ensure smooth transportation and prevent further disruptions.
Conclusion
With the dismantling of barricades and the removal of protest sites, the Shambhu border is set to return to normalcy. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any resurgence of demonstrations and ensure public safety. The reopening of the road marks the end of a significant chapter in the ongoing farmers’ movement, with discussions continuing on the broader agricultural demands raised by the protesting groups.
